Dental Hygienist Celebrates 30th Year With Danville Dental Practice

Debbie Edwards, a registered dental hygienist, has been working at Advanced Smile Arts since 1985. Edwards holds an associate’s degree in applied science from Lake Land College and takes pride in teaching patients the relationship between oral health and overall health.

“Debbie has provided great dental care to four generations of Danville area residents and has become an honorary trusted member of many of their families,” said Dr. Fuesting, who operates Advanced Smile Arts. “Patients love meeting with Debbie to learn about their teeth and how to practice great oral home care.”

Edwards worked at Veterans Affairs Medical Center for five years before joining Dr. Fuesting’s dental office. She has treated patients who have had strokes, diabetes, heart disease and pulmonary issues. She uses the latest dental equipment and technology to make her patients comfortable in the dental chair.

When she is not in the office, Edwards photographs weddings, sports events and works as a freelance photographer for the local newspaper. Dr. Fuesting said the staff celebrated Edwards’ anniversary with cupcakes and a small party.

“Debbie has been such a big part of our practice, and we are extremely lucky to have worked with her for so long,” Dr. Fuesting said.

Advanced Smile Arts, 1004 N. Gilbert St., is a state-of-the-art office that treats both adults and children with general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants and sedation dentistry. Dr. Fuesting is certified in placing dental implants and mini dental implants. Dental implants are used to replace single missing teeth, stabilize dentures or secure full arches of permanent teeth. Dental implants nearly mimic the function of natural teeth and preserve the patient’s jawbone, improving both biting force and aesthetics.

Dr. Fuesting, originally from Teutopolis, Ill., graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in chemistry. He went on to graduate with high honors from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1982 and started his dental practice that same year.

Skilled in all phases of general dentistry, Dr. Fuesting has completed more than 4,000 hours of advanced training. He spends between 100 and 200 hours in continuing education courses every year, often attending with practice team members. Over the years, Dr. Fuesting has used his extensive training to implement new technology like digital X-rays and digital impressions.

Dr. Fuesting has completed four different mini residencies in dental implants and is certified in oral conscious sedation. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry; has held all offices of the Danville District Dental Society; and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. In dental school, he received the Paul W. Clopper Scholarship Grant for Junior Dental Students and was recognized for his work in periodontics and orthodontics. An avid flier, Dr. Fuesting is an instrument-rated pilot who provides air services for charities.

Advanced Smile Arts is active in the community and supports the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, both Indiana and Illinois Mission of Mercy organizations, the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile Day, the Healing, Attachment, Loving, Outreach (HALO) Project’s Smiling Faces Dental Days and United Way.

Loved the flowers given to me at the end of my appointment for patient of the week. That was a very nice touch, and let me know that the team was thinking of me even before I was there for the appointment. Awesome care!!

- Teresa B.

Always a good experience.

Going to the dentist is not my favorite thing to do but Dr. Fuesting and his staff always make the visit a comfortable one.

- Mary L.

No more dentist dread!

I no longer dread coming to the dentist! Dr. Fuesting is friendly and makes for a calm, comfortable chairside manner. Deb is great and makes you enjoy coming in for cleanings. They both take the time to answer any questions.

- John D.

Great place for people with anxiety.

Best dentist I have been to! Do to some bad experiences at other dentist, I have a lot of anxiety when I need work done. Dr. Mike and the staff do a great job explaining what they are doing and make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

- Joseph T.

My hygienist is awesome!

I used to hate going to the dentist. Since I have been coming to your office I really don’t mind coming. Everyone is nice and takes time to explain and allow you to ask questions about your appointment.

- Dianna S.

Nap time!

I was a little surprised when my appointment work was “revised” to accommodate a few other items the staff thought should be addressed at the same time. Everything went exceedingly well and I really could have “taken a nap” while they all did their work.

- Steven H.

Best dental team around.

I wish we would have found this office years ago. They are the absolute top of the line. Very professional and high tech. The hygienists are painless, as is Dr Fuesting. He personally called our home at 9pm to check on our son, who had some extractions done earlier in the day. We love this office!!

- John M.

love this dentist office. great with kids. This dentist office is fantastic in customer care. They are wonderful with kids also.

- Amanda H.

If I have to go to a dentist, I’m glad he’s Mike. I’m glad that the staff pays attention to what I’m saying. They make me feel like a person, not just another patient to deal with, and I thank them for that.

- Terry R.

Yipee….I am cavity free!

This office is very professional from arrival to departure. I appreciate the friendliness of all of the staff.